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Eco-Voice Digest – News and Views for April 6
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The opinions posted on this site are not necessarily those of the site managers or all of our sponsors.
Eco-voice can not verify the accuracy of facts asserted in commentaries but does not knowingly post articles which have serious errors. Please call errors to our attention.
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Southwest Florida Climate summit
April 7 & 8, 2022, 9 am – 5:00 pm
CHNEP invites you to the 2022 Southwest Florida Climate summit, hosted by the Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership. This hybrid public event, with both in person and virtual participation options, will feature experts and interactive audience question and answer sessions on one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time – climate change.
Keynote speakers include Florida Chief Resiliency Officer Dr. Wesley Brooks and Chief Science Officer Mark Rains, Senator Marco Rubio, FL Dept. of Agricultural and Consumer Services Commissioner Nikki Fried, as well as many other notable national and state experts.
Coming to this event will allow participants to gain and share knowledge, as well as mobilize the collaboration needed to build more resilient communities in our region.
Advance registration is required, which is free for online participants and $25 for those attending in-person.
If you have any questions, please contact us at CHNEP@CHNEP.org
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Celebrate Earth Day
Paddle the Gulf BioBlitz
April 22nd – 24th
Calling all citizen scientist volunteers, you are invited to participate in one of the largest biodiversity events focused on the Gulf of Mexico region!
Participants will be joining from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida through Paddle the Gulf. During Earth Day weekend get out on the water to paddle a local river, stream or estuary and identify different plants and animals along the way using the iNaturalist app on your cell phone. Paddle the Gulf is an initiative to inspire people to become more connected to nature by exploring coastal streams and rivers that flow into the Gulf of Mexico.
WHAT: Paddle the Gulf BioBlitz
WHEN: April 22nd – April 24th
WHERE: Your local waterway!
“Eyes on Seagrass”
Citizen Science Training
April 26th & 27th
CHNEP volunteers are invited to join Florida Sea Grant for a volunteer training for the “Eyes on Seagrass” citizen science program.
Are you concerned about the health of Charlotte Harbor seagrass? Are you worried that seaweed abundance has changed in recent years? Here’s an opportunity to help scientists gather data aimed at evaluating these important questions.
Volunteers will learn about the benefits of seagrass and how to participate in this citizen scientist program!
WHAT: Eyes on Seagrass Training
WHEN: Tuesday, April 26th from 12pm-2pm & 6pm-8pm
WHERE: Laishley Park Municipal Marina
120 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
WHAT: Eyes on Seagrass Training
WHEN: Wednesday, April 27th from 12pm-2pm & 6pm-8pm
WHERE: Cedar Point Environmental Park
2300 Placida Road, Englewood, FL 34224
Interested in becoming a volunteer? CHNEP is always looking for people to help us with volunteer events and community outreach! If you have any questions please contact us at chnep@CHNEP.org for more information.
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April 22 and April 23, 2022
All the Festivities Start at 5 pm:
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- Meet the RESET Board and Elders Reception with Wine and Hors’ D’oeuvrs
- The Art of Paul Arsenault
- Poetic Films with Lori Ersolmaz
- Conversation with Joseph Bonasia about the Right to Clean Water Constitutional Amendment
- 7:30 pm Concert
Register here for the Free Celebration and get your 25% discount for the Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra
Earth Day Celebration Concert.
Campus of Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fort Myers
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UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County is partnering with Peace River Audubon on National Arbor Day to feature a free native plant starter kit.
“Go Florida Native for Arbor Day.”
Those interested can sign up to commit to planting and caring for this collection of native plants in their own yard. We will offer one kit per household to those that pre-register and attend a short class on planting and caring for these plants. There will also be plant vendors, educational booths and displays. For further information please visit or website at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotte/ or by phone at 941-764-4340.
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Centennial Park Recreation Center
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Saving rivers isn’t a choice. It’s survival. Our vision is to keep rivers healthy and free while ensuring people have the water they need. We do it by protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers and conserving clean water for people and nature.
Drought, floods and soaring temperatures threaten rivers, wildlife and people. Healthy, free-flowing rivers will be a community’s greatest strength in an era of climate change.
Too many rivers are choked with pollution and water supplies are at risk. Everyone deserves a healthy river and safe, clean water.
Thousands of dams are harming rivers nationwide. Removing dams and improving dam operations is vital to restoring the rivers that fish, wildlife and people depend on.
Our last wild rivers face a host of threats. Protecting these special places will ensure abundant wildlife and strong communities for generations to come.
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Celebrate Earth Day with Audubon of Southwest Florida at Babcock Ranch Founders Square on Saturday, April 23, 9 am to noon. Enjoy displays, activities, and a glimpse at Florida’s first solar community, as well as nature trails for good birding. Event Location: Babcock Ranch Founders Square – 42850 Crescent Loop Babcock Ranch 33982 (In the open area to the east of the Discovery Center) For directions, go to: https://babcockranch.com/visit/
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THE FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION
The Florida Trail Association, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit is responsible for developing, maintaining, protecting, & promoting a network of hiking trails throughout the state, including the unique Florida National Scenic Trail, commonly known as the “Florida Trail,” along with our primary agency partner, the U.S. Forest Service.
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Celebrate Trails Day is April 23
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SPRING | ISSUE: 98 | March 1, 2022
‘SAV’ing our Springs
By: Haley Moody
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) is such an important part of the springs ecosystem, here at the Florida Springs Institute we get a little upset when we see people trampling through it. A couple of years ago, FSI staff watched one young lad stomp through the SAV at Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park and we were moved to create a series of interpretive signs, informing people about the importance of protecting the Submerged Aquatic Vegetation at this park. The “veg stomper” even made it on to our sign 🤣.
The next time you are out at Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, make sure to look for FSI’s “Healthy Underwater Forest” signs. .
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Opinion: Amid backsliding on climate, the renewables effort now must be tripled
António Guterres is secretary general of the United Nations.
A report released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is a litany of broken climate promises. Together with the IPCC’s previous two reports on physical science and adaptation in the past year, it reveals the yawning gap between climate pledges and reality. And the reality is that we are speeding toward disastrous global warming of more than double the limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2100, as cited in the Paris agreement of 2016.
In concrete terms, this means major cities under water, unprecedented heat waves, terrifying storms, widespread water shortages, and the extinction of 1 million species of plants and animals.
So far, high-emitting governments and corporations are not just turning a blind eye; they are adding fuel to the flames by continuing to invest in climate-choking industries. Scientists warn that we are already perilously close to tipping points that could lead to cascading and irreversible climate effects.
The new IPCC report arrives in a period of extraordinary global political and economic turbulence that has further jeopardized efforts to address climate change. Energy prices spiked after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, prompting several nations to increase fossil-fuel production. In the long run, that will only make matters worse.
Leaders who claim to be protecting their people by doubling down on fossil fuels are doing the exact opposite: throwing their people to the wolves of energy insecurity, price volatility and climate chaos.
The IPCC report lays out a saner, safer approach, one that would get the world back on track by using renewable solutions that provide green jobs, energy security and greater price stability.
This report is a blueprint to bring us back to the 1.5-degree pledge that nearly 200 nations made in Paris and renewed at the COP26 gathering in Glasgow, Scotland, in November.
We left Scotland with a naive optimism, based on new promises and commitments. But the main problem — the enormous, growing emissions gap — was all but ignored.
The science is clear. To keep the 1.5-degree limit within reach, we need to cut global emissions by 45 percent this decade. But current climate pledges would mean a 14 percent increase in emissions. And most major emitters are not taking the steps needed to fulfill even these inadequate promises.
That is why this latest IPCC report is focused on mitigation — cutting emissions. It sets out viable, financially sound options in every sector.
First and foremost, we must triple the speed of the shift to renewable energy.
That means moving investments and subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables, now. In most cases, renewables are already cheaper.
It means governments ending the funding of coal, not just abroad, but at home: Stop financing all forms of coal extraction, production and power generation everywhere, including in the form of subsidies. To support major emerging economies in making this shift, I have been advocating for climate coalitions, made up of developing and developed countries, multilateral development banks, private financial institutions and corporations with the technical know-how to help.
All of us have a role to play in the shift to green energy. Young people, civil society and Indigenous communities are among those who have already stepped up, sounding the alarm and holding leaders accountable. We now need to build on their work to create a worldwide grass-roots movement that no one can ignore.
I hereby appeal directly to everyone with an interest in our planet and our future: Make your voice heard, wherever decisions are taken — in political debates, local authorities, boardrooms and at the ballot box.
Demand an end to coal-fired power.
Call for renewable energy to be deployed rapidly and widely.
I will be following up on net-zero pledges by private finance later this year. Promises to phase out coal must be backed up by comprehensive plans, without exceptions or loopholes, and with action.
The decisions governments make today will determine the future of achieving the 1.5-degree limit.
A shift to renewables will mend our broken global energy mix and offer hope to millions of people already suffering from the impact of climate change.
Climate promises and plans must be turned into reality and action, now. It is time to stop burning our planet, and start investing in the abundant renewable energy all around us.
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IWLA Cypress Chapter Scholarship
The Cypress Chapter of IWLA is pleased to be able to offer a $1,000 college scholarship each year to graduates of Hendry, Glades, Collier, Lee and Charlotte County Public High Schools. This is a merit based competition open to all college-bound students who are going to undertake a major in environmental science, conservation, marine biology or similar fields.The application deadline has been extended to May 15th. The 2021 Conservation Scholarship Application Form is here for download.
IWLA National Conservation Scholarship
The IWLA National Conservation Scholarship program was established in 2005 to promote conservation leadership among future natural resource managers and professionals. This scholarship supports rising junior and senior college undergraduates from recognized conservation or environment-related degree programs. Click here to download.
John Servais – Cypress Chapter Education Chair
As Cypress Chapter Education director, John is hoping to re-activate the IWLA SWF scholarship program, please help him. John can be reached at jgservais@yahoo.com.
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2022 Scholarship and Grant Applications Are Now Being Accepted
APPLICATION SUBMITTAL DEADLINE: APRIL 30
AWRA Florida has a mission to support education through the Rosanne Clementi Education Program and awards scholarships and grants to Florida undergraduate and graduate college or university students, high school seniors, pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers, and environmental education centers.
The Sanford N. Young Scholarship is designed to provide funding for one (1) $3,000 scholarship for an exceptional water resources graduate student.
The William V. Storch Student Award is available to graduate and undergraduate water resources students. In 2021, up to four (4) $1,500 awards are available to graduate students and up to three (3) $1,500 awards are available to undergraduate students.
The Buddy & Laura Blain High School Scholarship is available to exceptional Florida high school seniors who have an intent to pursue academic studies at a Florida college or university. At least one (1) $1,000 scholarship is available each year.
The J.B. Butler Science Grant is available to pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and/or environmental education centers to aid in water resources education. Up to six (6) $1,000 grants are awarded each year.
Click here for more information and to download application forms and instructions. All applications must be submitted online as a single PDF file by APRIL 30, 2022 (Note: If needed, letters of recommendation/reference can be emailed separately). If you are not an AWRA Florida Student member, please consider joining. Annual student membership is only $5.
If you have any questions, please reply to this email or contact Gordon Brown.
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Location: Palm Beach, Florida
Location: Brooksville, Florida Time: 10 – 11:30am
Location: North Miami Beach, Florida Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Brooksville, Florida Time: 9 am – 2 pm
Location: Brooksville, Florida Time: 7:30 – 9:30 pm
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APPEALS, OPINIONS & COMMENTARY
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— Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has turned down requests from GOP lawmakers and ag industry groups to bring farmland out of conservation programs and back into production as Russia’s war in Ukraine sparks a potential food crisis.
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Proposed restriction on soil and water boards is unconstitutional
“Madam Chair, I had to check my watch to make sure it wasn’t April Fools.”
Those were GOP Sen. Jeff Brandes’ opening words in the Appropriations Committee debate over a bill that disqualifies perhaps 95% of Floridians from candidacy for the small, unpaid position of Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).
Not even a soil and water scientist qualifies to serve on the board under SB 1078, sponsored by my own state senator, Travis Hutson. The bill effectively fired me from the job I was elected to by 73,840 people. Hutson cut my term in half, and it will end this year unless the governor vetoes the bill…..
There’s still hope that Gov. Ron DeSantis will see the many failings of SB 1078 and give it the veto it deserves.
Nicole Crosby serves as chair of the St. Johns Soil and Water Conservation District.
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Registration opens for June in-person conference in DC
Registration has opened for CCL’s June conference in Washington, D.C.! This year’s conference is the first in-person CCL event in two years, and will be from Jun. 11-13.
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SAVE THE DATE: TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2022, 9 AM – 3 PM
South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force (TF) Zoom Meeting
The South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force (Task Force) was established by Congress in 1996 to ensure consistent strategies among all the partners working towards Everglades restoration. At such regular meetings of the Task Force, staff and member agencies update matters previously presented to the Task Force, report back on direction issued by the Task Force and brief the Task Force on new or emerging issues relevant to Everglades Restoration.
Draft Agenda and Briefing Materials will be available at a later date. Visit us at evergladesrestoration.gov for more details.
Click HERE to register in advance for this webinar
Office of Everglades Restoration Initiatives, Davie, FL, 33314
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The Corps/SFWMD Integrated Delivery Schedule (IDS)
The plan for Everglades Restoration
What, when, by whom, how much, project status
Integrated Delivery Schedule Status
A formal re-evaluation of the Integrated Delivery Schedule (IDS) was completed in 2015. The IDS was updated in July 2018, October 2019, and September 2020.
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Everglades Restoration Integrated Delivery Schedule
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The CHNEP Kids Activity Book
is now on our website!
It features environmental education topics including watersheds, habitat, and sustainable fishing as well as fun activities for kids to learn and explore the Florida outdoors.
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The opinions posted on this site are not necessarily those of the site managers or all of our sponsors.
Eco-voice can not verify the accuracy of facts asserted in commentaries but does not knowingly post articles which have serious errors.
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Eco-Voice, Inc. is a non-partisan, independent communication portal for individuals interested in the issues impacting the south Florida environment.
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